Bar AGM

The Bar held its Annual General Meeting of subscribers on 18 June 2011, at the offices of the Bar Council, 289-293 High Holborn, London. It was preceded by a Bar Council meeting.

From Lord Justice to Lord

Former Court of Appeal judge Lord Justice Wilson has been sworn in as the eleventh Justice of the Supreme Court, at a ceremony at the Parliament Square court building. He will henceforth be known by the courtesy title of Lord Wilson of Culworth. Lord Wilson’s swearing-in was the first to be broadcast live over the internet on www.skynews.com/supremecourt. His appointment follows the retirement of Lord Saville last year.

Trinity term

The Supreme Court has released its provisional list of sittings for the Trinity term (7 June – 28 July). It can be viewed online at www.supremecourt.gov.uk.

CPS inquiry into secret police tapes

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, is to set up an independent inquiry into the conduct of the CPS in the Ratcliffe on Soar power station cases, following accusations that it withheld surveillance tapes containing evidence covertly recorded by undercover police officer Mark Kennedy. The trial of six environmental protesters collapsed earlier this year. Starmer said: “This arrangement will provide independent scrutiny of the actions of both the police and the CPS in relation to the disclosure issues arising from the Ratcliffe on Soar power station cases.”

LSB Board

The Legal Services Board has reduced in size. Eight of its original nine lay and non-lay members have been reappointed, including its chair, David Edmonds. Lay board member, Terry Connor has stepped down. Edmonds said: “After nearly three years experience, I believe that we can operate at the same high level with a smaller Board. We also need to have future appointments phased so that there is continuity and renewal, while maintaining a lay majority.”